A closed Nottinghamshire pub is set for a new future as new housing. The Yew Tree pub, in Nottingham Road, Hucknall, would be converted to nine separate self-contained flats split across the floors of the premises, if councillors follow a recommendation from council officers to give approval at Ashfield District Council's planning committee on October 26.
It is understood the public house ceased trading in early 2022 after struggling throughout the Covid pandemic. The existing building has living accommodation at first floor which comprises of a self-contained three-bedroom flat with associated living space, with storage space at second floor level.
A limited number of alterations are proposed to the exterior of the property, including the installation of new dormer windows to facilitate rooms within the roof space and the removal of existing windows and doors. The existing cellar/basement at the site is proposed to be closed off.
Read more: Excitement over plans to transform 'rough' Hucknall pub into flats
Previously people in the area spoke in favour the plans to convert the pub, which was described as 'a bit rough'. However Ashfield Independents councillor Lee Waters, who covers Hucknall North on Ashfield District Council, described the development as 'inappropriate' for the area when the plans first surfaced.
Councillor Waters, who has ‘called in’ for the application to be reviewed and voted on at the planning committee, said: “Parking is already a huge problem in the area (particularly Beardall Street and Henry Street), of which the proposed development will further negatively impact the residents, infrastructure, amenities and existing businesses on Beardall Street due to the increased need for further parking.”
But in a council report, which recommended the plan be approved at the upcoming planning committee, these concerns were dismissed. A council officer, in the document submitted to the committee, said: "The existing property formerly operated as a public house until earlier this year with a three-bedroomed residential flat above. It is considered that the proposed development, consisting of a change of use and associated alterations (as identified above), would not detrimentally harm the living conditions or amenities of residents living within the vicinity of the application site, nor would the alterations be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area and wider street scene.
"Although no off-street parking is provided in this instance this is considered not to be a sustainable reason for refusal given the ease of access to other sustainable means of transport (such as bus, train and tram services). It is considered that the proposal is unlikely to have any detrimental effect on highway safety."
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